James J. Murray, managing partner of the Petoskey office of Plunkett Cooney, one of the Midwest's oldest and largest law firms, was recently elected chair of the Mackinac Island Community Foundation Board of Trustees.
As a member of the board for the past four years, Murray was serving as the Foundation's Treasurer at the time of his election. According to Murray, his service to the Mackinac Island Community Foundation is both an honor and a family affair.
"My family's history on the Island dates back to 1839. I met and married my wife, Trish, on Mackinac Island, and my daughter will be married at St. Anne's Catholic Church this October, where we were married 32 years ago," said Murray. "I also have the honor of representing many Island families and businesses. I'm grateful for the opportunity to give something back to this amazing island community and to continue efforts to improve the quality of life of those who live, work and enjoy the Island I love so much."
The Mackinac Island Community Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving and enriching the lives of residents and visitors of Mackinac Island. Murray noted that the foundation recently enjoyed its 25th anniversary. With the support of Island residents, visitors and many others who support its mission, the foundation has raised almost $14 million. The foundation promotes the general well-being of Island residents and visitors by working in community partnerships to generate endowed and unendowed funds and to stimulate community-wide initiatives such as the city's recent endeavor to build additional housing to support the Island community.
Murray, who joined Plunkett Cooney in 1984, is a member of the firm's Business and Governmental Law and Banking practice groups. His clients include closely-held businesses, real estate developers, hotels, municipalities and many other local businesses on the Island, including a ferry boat company. A 1985 graduate of the Detroit College of Law, he also has an active estate planning practice representing individuals and institutions in probate and estate litigation and administration and overall assistance with many businesses' succession planning needs.
Published: Thu, Aug 22, 2019
